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Each year, the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) organizes Grassroots Day, a pivotal event where representatives from California’s 21 regional centers converge in Sacramento to advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This gathering provides an inspirational platform to discuss pressing issues, share personal stories, and influence legislative decisions that impact the I/DD community.

The Team

Monica Munguia has been appointed as IRC’s Delegation Lead for the second consecutive year. With over 18 years of experience in Human Services, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role. As Program Manager of Inland Regional Center’s Community Engagement Team, Monica is committed to fostering community empowerment and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on equity and transparency both within and beyond the organization. Since 2013, she has been honored to serve in the Regional Center system. Reflecting on her role during ARCA Grassroots Day, Monica highlights the significance of building connections and facilitating dialogue between IRC representatives and legislators. She believes that strong relationships serve as catalysts for meaningful change, amplifying the community’s voice in the legislative process. She takes pride in the successful collaboration among delegations from all 21 regional centers across California. Outside of work, Monica enjoys attending cultural events with her family.

Ruth Armstead with over 16 years of experience in human services, serves as the Program Manager of the Service Access and Equity (SAE) Team at Inland Regional Center (IRC). With a strong background in advocacy and cultural proficiency, she works to eliminate barriers and promote equitable access to services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Ruth has played a key role in advancing equity initiatives within IRC and beyond, spearheading trainings and strategic efforts to enhance inclusion. She is also actively involved in equity initiatives, collaborating with key community partners to drive systemic change and improve service accessibility for diverse communities.

Estefania “Fania” Pena with over a decade of experience in the deaf community, serves as the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Cultural Specialist at IRC. Leveraging her own experiences as a Deaf individual, she advocates for equality, provides training, and raises awareness about American Sign Language (ASL) and inequalities within the Regional Center System of Care. Estefania also plays a key role in advancing Deaf services statewide, serving as Co-Chair of the Deaf Specialists Collective and participating in the DDS Deaf Steering Committee for the California Department of Developmental Services.

Mitzi Gomez serves as the American Sign Language (ASL) Facilitator at Inland Regional Center, ensuring accessibility for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. She coordinates ASL interpreting services and collaborates with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Cultural Specialist and the Cultural Specialist. With a background as a Job Coach, Mitzi brings valuable experience in supporting individuals with disabilities by providing tailored guidance and strategies to help them succeed in various environments, empowering them to build confidence, develop skills, and foster independence. She is dedicated to providing support to consumers and their families, ensuring they have the resources and access needed to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Ismeth Estrada is a dedicated Client Advocate with 15 years of service at Inland Regional Center. As the Lead of the Client Advisory Committee, she mentors her peers, equipping them with foundational skills for success. Known for her positivity, independence, and unwavering commitment to the Community Engagement team, Ismeth consistently goes the extra mile to support others. A proud mother to a 5-year-old daughter, she exemplifies perseverance and the belief that there are no barriers to achieving one’s dreams. Passionate about Self-Determination, she advocates for more clients to take an active role in leading their services and making informed choices about their future.

Sofia Benitez is the District Manager of Community Partnerships at 24 Hour Home Care in Riverside, and the Vendor Advisory Committee Chair at IRC, bringing extensive experience in disability services and advocacy. With a background in Sociology and Gender and Sexuality studies, she is dedicated to making a difference and educating the community. Sofia is honored to represent Inland Empire vendors at IRC grassroots events.

Reflecting on Past Advocacy Efforts during the last 3 years

In 2023, Inland Regional Center (IRC) assembled a diverse team comprising managers, client advocates, vendors, and cultural specialists. This delegation engaged with state senators and assembly members to address challenges within the regional center system. Key advocacy points included stabilizing service coordination funding and supporting legislative measures to enhance services for individuals with I/DD.

The 2024 Grassroots Day saw IRC’s continued commitment to advocacy. The team, including staff, vendors, parents, and clients, met with legislators to discuss initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for their community. The delegation emphasized the importance of equitable services, cultural competency, service providers rate increases and the unique needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

Grassroots Day 2025: Continuing the Legacy

Building upon the foundations laid in previous years, IRC’s delegation traveled to Sacramento on March 3, 2025, to participate in a Statewide Training for all delegations, and be prepared for the annual ARCA Grassroots Day 2025 held on Tuesday March 4^th, among advocates who love our clients and families and want to make a difference for their communities. Our IRC delegation engaged with state legislators, advocating for equitable services for Californians with I/DD under the Lanterman Act.

If you want to learn more about them, visit:

• Suzette Valladares / SD 23 – https://sr23.senate.ca.gov/
• Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh / SD 19 – https://sr19.senate.ca.gov/
• James Ramos / AD 45 – https://a45.asmdc.org/
• Greg Wallis / AD 47 – https://ad47.asmrc.org/
• Eloise Gomez Reyes / SD 29 – https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/
• Sabrina Cervantes / SD 31 – https://sd31.senate.ca.gov/
• Corey Jackson / AD 60 – https://a60.asmdc.org/
• Bill Essayli / AD 63 – https://ad63.asmrc.org/
• Robert Garcia / AD 50 – https://a50.asmdc.org/
• Kelly Seyarto / SD 32 – https://sr32.senate.ca.gov/
•  Leticia Castillo / SD 58 – https://ad58.asmrc.org/
• Steve Padilla / SD 18  – https://sd18.senate.ca.gov/
• Jeff Gonzalez / AD36  – https://ad36.asmrc.org/

We appreciate the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and look forward to ongoing conversations and collaborations to uphold the services promised to all Californians with I/DD under the Lanterman Act. A special thank you to ARCA for coordinating the many valuable meetings we attended.

Key Advocacy Topics for 2025 included:

• Workforce Policy Bill (SB 422 – Grayson): Addressing the longstanding shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
• Seizure Rescue Medication Bill (AB 1172 – Nguyen): Advocating for a law that allows trained DSPs to administer emergency seizure medication when necessary, ensuring individuals receive life-saving care even when a nurse is unavailable.
• The Concurrent Resolution on the 40th Anniversary of Entitlement (ACR (TBD) – Jeff Gonzalez): Recognizing the landmark 1985 court decision that upheld the entitlement to services under the Lanterman Act, reinforcing California’s commitment to ensuring individuals with I/DD receive essential services without long wait times.
• The Master Plan for Developmental Services: Supporting a comprehensive plan to enhance regional center services, ensuring they remain person-centered, accessible, and adequately funded. Advocates stressed the importance of strong relationships with service coordinators and setting measurable service goals for improved outcomes.
• The Blue Envelope Program: Designed to enhance communication between law enforcement, first responders and community members with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, or other conditions that might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction.

Further during our special event, Elizabeth from Redwood Coast Regional Center Regional Center joined Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo’s press conference to advocate for continued funding for critical services for people with disabilities. Outside of the Capitol Building, among legislators and #Medicaid advocates, Elizabeth shared a personal poem about the positive impact Medicaid has on her community. Watch Elizabeth’s full testimony and publication from ARCA here: https://mailchi.mp/…/arcas-capitol-currents-hwvotjjpai…

IRC’s participation in Grassroots Day 2025 underscores its unwavering commitment to advocacy and collaboration. By engaging directly with policymakers, IRC strives to influence positive changes that will benefit the I/DD community, ensuring that every individual receives the support and services they deserve.

As we reflect on the progress made and the challenges ahead, IRC remains dedicated to its mission of empowering individuals with developmental disabilities, advocating for their rights, and fostering a community where everyone can thrive.

IRC Community Engagement Unit